Among the 30 education sessions scheduled for the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX)’s Learning Forum this year, 13 will focus on timely issues impacting all channels of the aftermarket. Topics include the import parts explosion, social media, emerging business models, selling process techniques, trends affecting the aftermarket environment and brand protection.
All education sessions will be held Nov. 1-3 in the Venetian/Palazzo Congress Center Level 1, Marco Polo Rooms 701-706 and 801-802, in Las Vegas, Nev. The Learning Forum sessions are free and open to everyone.
The Lunch & Learn sessions at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 1-2, require registration and pre-payment of $25per person.
All AAPEX Learning Forum education sessions are accredited for 0.1 continuing education units (CEUs) by the University of the Aftermarket toward the AAP and MAAP professional designations.
Here is a list of the 13 “Hot Topic” sessions for AAPEX 2011.
Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011
1. 2012 Aftermarket Outlook (David Portalatin, The NPD Group).
2. Import Parts Explosion: Are You Taking Your Share? (Marty Gold, S-G Imported Parts Inc., and to be determined panelists). Presented by Auto International Association.
3. Not More Social Media! The Continuing Evolution of Social Media Integration within Marketing Campaigns (Tyler Olson, SMCpros).
4. Your Business and Your Market Share Are Being Affected by Your State Legislature (Rodney Pierini, CAWA; Jennifer Zins, Plotkin, Zins & Associates; Aaron Lowe, AAIA; and Ann Wilson, MEMA). Presented by Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA); Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).
5. QR Codes 101: What Are They and How Can They Grow Your Business? (Tyler Olson, SMCpros).
6. New Vehicle Technologies and Their Impact on the Future (Phil Magney, IHS Global Insight).
Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011
7. Salespeople are from Venus: Installers are from Mars (Mac McGovern, KYB Americas Corp.).
8. Emerging Business Models: New Pathways to Growth and Profit (Michael Marks, Indian River Consulting Group). Sponsored by Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA).
9. Selling Process Techniques: The New Age of Selling (Michael Marks, Indian River Consulting Group). Sponsored by AWDA.
10. 5 Trends in 5 Minutes: Trends Affecting the Aftermarket Environment (Mark Seng, Polk).
11. Making Packaging a Team Player in Brand Protection (Institute for Packaging Professionals; Patrick Arnold, trademark lawyer, McAndrews, Held & Mallo). Sponsored by Institute for Packaging Professionals.
12. Accessing Repair Information on Today’s Vehicles and the Role of NASTF (moderator: Ron Pyle, NASTF. Panelists: Mark Saxonberg, Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc.; Donny Seyfer, Seyfer Automotive; Bob Stewart, ACDelco e-Business; and Jeff Sweet, Identifix Inc.).
Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011
13. Share the Knowledge -- Gain the Profits (Danny Sanchez, Autoshop Solutions Inc.). Presented by Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP).
For a full schedule of sessions, click here.
